Baptismal Preparation Facilitator

Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation, the beginning of a person’s journey of faith.  The newly baptized “put on Christ.”  They are “born again through water and the Spirit.”  Because the celebration of this sacrament is so special, so meaningful, parents who request Baptism for their child attend a preparation workshop.  Baptismal Preparation workshops are scheduled once a month on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 until approximately 3:00 PM in the Parish Center Library.

Parishioners who are part of the Baptismal Preparation ministry facilitate the workshop, Baptism 101.  They discuss with parents the meaning and history of baptism as it was initiated by Jesus and as it continued in the early Church.  Parents learn about the sacrament’s symbols, water, fire, the white garment, oils, and the sign of the cross.  They see how beautifully these symbols are incorporated into the celebration of the sacrament and they review the rite of Baptism so that they know what to expect on their little one’s special day.

Facilitators also discuss the role of godparents, the role of parents as primary educators of their children in the faith and the many ways in which the parish offers educational support.

This ministry provides a wonderful opportunity to welcome children with love into the family of the Church.

Mighty Mite Minister

Jesus Loves All the Children.  Through our Mighty  Mite Ministry, which meets in Children’s Chapel in Saint Ann Church from October through early May, we proclaim that we, too, “love all the children.”

Through Mighty Mites, adult volunteers provide our young parishioners, ages 3 through Kindergarten, with a liturgical experience designed just for them.  Working in rotating teams, Mighty Mite Ministers welcome the little ones on Sunday mornings during the 9:45 Mass. Using Seeds, the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies program, they help nurture the love of God through a positive church experience.

Every session opens with the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father and the Hail Mary and with song.   Ministers present the Gospel story of the day in age-appropriate language and follow up with a related activity.  Through Mighty Mites little ones learn about God on their own level.

PARISH LIBRARY

The Parish Library is located in the Saint Ann Parish Center.  If you love the Lord and love to read we invite you to share your time as a library volunteer, helping us rotate books in the church vestibule.

If you are a bookworm or would like to become one than this ministry is just for you.

GIFT VOLUNTEER

GIFT (Growing Together In Faith) is our innovative, whole-parish approach to faith formation.  Gathered together, like Christ’s earliest followers we share a meal and learn more about God and about our Catholic faith. It is a religious education program for people of all ages. We are all called to continue to learn about our faith, grow in faith and live our faith.

Many of our parish religious education programs fall under the GIFT umbrella:  Baptismal preparation, Intergenerational learning sessions (six per year), Sacramental Program and other special learning programs. GIFT learning is centered on liturgical and sacramental events. Materials are provided to encourage learning at home.

Perhaps you love to organize, or prepare or serve a meal. Maybe you can help assemble home kits or plan Sacramental Program Receptions. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide as you prayerfully consider sharing your gift all in the service of the parish family!